Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is an ambitious remaster of a game with a notoriously rocky development and release. Dustin turns the pages of Ivalice history for a look back. ― There is perhaps no Final Fantasy game—and certainly no 3D entry in the series—which has been uncontroversial. Maybe that's the cost of a franchise where each iteration is wildly different from its predecessor, making group...

review

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Genshiken: Second Season GN 9

Jul 23, 10:00

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manga

Genshiken seeks to steer its most questionable plot arc into safer waters in its surprisingly thoughtful ninth volume. ― Genshiken Second Season has been a bit of a mess. In contrast with the original series' sensitive and remarkably grounded approach to fandom circles, Second Season has shifted from a promising setup into outright harem comedy territory, its characters moaning about their own cliche...

column

26 comments

The List - 6 Fantastic Female Friendships in Anime

Jul 22, 11:00

26 comments

anime

Whether they're taking down monsters or just surviving the trials of high school, these gal pals have each other's backs through the best and worst of times. ― Hello readers! As you may or may not know, I'm approaching my fifth anniversary as the author of The List. With the exception of brief hiatuses and reprints over the last year or so, that's roughly 250 columns written about anime and manga to...

review

17 comments

Fate/Apocrypha — Episodes 1-3

Jul 22, 10:00

17 comments

anime

While we wait for the newest animated entry in the Fate series to arrive on Netflix, Kim Morrissy has a look at the first three episodes straight from Japan. How does this "Great Grail War" compare to its predecessors? ― Note: While Fate/Apocrypha is not yet available streaming in English, this review comes courtesy of our Tokyo correspondent who watched these first three episodes in Japan. Fate/Apoc...

feature

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Interview: Tokyo Ghoul (live-action) Director Kentarō Hagiwara

Jul 21, 12:00

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live-action

The director behind this challenging action/horror manga adaptation discusses the process behind bringing the shock and wonder of Tokyo Ghoul to life on the big screen. ― Just before its wide Japanese release, the live action Tokyo Ghoul film premiered at Anime Expo on July 3rd, 2017. Hundreds of people waited hours in line for a chance to see the film, whose screening filled the JW Marriot's Diamond...

column

45 comments

Answerman - Why Aren't Anime Sales Figures Made Public?

Jul 21, 11:30

45 comments

anime

We'd really love to know exactly how well our favorite anime sold on Bluray and DVD. Why do they keep these numbers from us? Justin gets into it. ― Michael asks: I was wondering if you could explain the mindset behind why anime companies seem to be so secretive with their sales numbers. I could be wrong about this, but I don't see any benefit to not releasing how many units "title x" sold or how man...

feature

28 comments

Why Affordable Housing for Animators Matters (and What You Can Do to Help)

Jul 21, 11:00

28 comments

industry

Callum May takes an inside look at the Animator Supporters Dormitory Project that aims to give affordable housing to overworked animators. Find out how you can help support the lifeblood of the anime industry! ― If you're interested in finding out more about the anime industry, you'll undoubtedly come across numerous reports of struggling animators. For the most part, anime is not a practical way to ...

review

26 comments

School-Live! Blu-Ray

Jul 21, 10:00

26 comments

anime

This one-of-a-kind combination of slice-of-life and horror starts strange and finishes strong. Theron Martin explores just what makes this series so special. ― The first episode of this series is one of the biggest cases of misdirection in anime history, as both the opening theme and first twenty minutes suggest that this is going to be a high-spirited slice-of-life series about schoolgirls. Sure, th...

column

12 comments

This Week in Games - Accel World vs. Sword Art Online

Jul 20, 14:41

12 comments

games

The unimaginably popular worlds of light novel author Reki Kawahara collide in a new RPG. Dustin takes it for a spin. PLUS: Toy Story Kingdom Hearts and much more! ― Last column, I mentioned that Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator would be out this week, and that's still true despite a very last-minute delay. The developers put out a statement explaining that there were further bug fixes that needed...

interview

8 comments

Interview: Ali Project

Jul 20, 12:00

8 comments

music

The idol royalty behind a string of hit anisong themes from Code Geass to Kizumonogatari answers a few questions about her incredible career (and her incredible fashion!) ― ALI PROJECT doesn't have a hard time getting recognized – if you're not familiar with their signature aristocratic fashion style, then odds are you've heard at least a few of their unique, chart-topping anime theme songs, seen in ...

giveaway

6 comments

Kiki's Delivery Service Giveaway 75 minutes left!

Jul 20, 10:45

6 comments

anime

We've extended the entry deadline for Kiki's Deliver Service merch by half a day, which means you have 75 minutes to enter for you chance at some really cool Kiki's Deliversy Service merchandise and theatrical tickers. ― GKIDS and Fathom Events are partnering to bring Academy Award-winning Hayao Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service to select cinemas nationwide for a special two-day event on July 23 & ...

review

13 comments

Haruchika: Haruta & Chika BD+DVD

Jul 20, 10:00

13 comments

anime

Haruchika is just good enough to set viewers up for disappointment when it fails to deliver on its potential. Rebecca Silverman explains what went wrong. ― There are some shows that tease you with their mediocrity, occasionally showing flashes of, if not brilliance, than at least intrigue before turning around and slumping back into uninteresting and disappointing you all over again. Haruchika is one...

feature

512 comments

The Summer 2017 Anime Preview Guide

Jul 18, 12:00

512 comments

anime

Looking for a fresh Summer anime? Our complete guide to the entire season is available now.
Reviews Include: Gamers! - Classroom of the Elite - My First Girlfriend is a Gal - Magic Circle Guru-Guru - In Another World with my Smartphone - New Game!! - Angel's 3Piece! - Chronos Ruler - Princess Principal - A Centaur's Life - Hitorijime My Hero - Action Heroine Cheer Fruits - and much more! ― Welcome t...